Vintage Kimekomi Dolls (連獅子 Renshishi Kabuki Pair)

This is a rare pair of vintage Kimekomi dolls from the Showa era, designed to depict the famous Kabuki performance 連獅子 Renshishi (The Dance of the Lions).

The story represents the metaphor of a parent lion pushing its cub into a valley as a form of training. The dolls capture the majestic moment of the dance, which starts with two performers holding lions and transforms into a heroic display by the parent and child lions in traditional Noh costumes.

The adult lion doll has flowing white hair and holds a naginata (traditional pole weapon), while the child lion doll features vibrant red hair.

Both are adorned in intricately designed kimonos of gold, red, and cream, with finely hand-painted facial expressions that showcase exquisite craftsmanship.

What is ‘木目込み人形 Kimekomi dolls’?

Kimekomi dolls are meticulously crafted from Toso clay, a mixture of paulownia wood sawdust and traditional adhesive (shofunori).  Intricate carvings are made in the clay base, and the fabric kimono is then tucked into the carvings, giving the dolls their detailed “dressed” appearance. This technique, known as “木目込み kimekomi”, is what gives the dolls their unique charm.

While there is some visible aging and minor wood dust falling from the bottom of the dolls, these unique items remain a rare find, full of cultural and historical significance.

Size:

Child doll: Approx. H4 cm x W5.5 cm
Adult doll: Approx. H5.5 cm x W8 cm

These rare, vintage items come from the personal collection of j-okini’s owner’s grandfather (1919–1998) and have been carefully preserved since the 1990s.

Each piece holds a special connection to Japan’s cultural history and has been well cared for over the decades.